Szechuan Palace was the last of Sexton’s creations and the site of a 24th anniversary party last week hosted by landlords Ralph and Chris Sexton with owners Sue and John Liang.

“Originally the main building was a general store owned by Ben Ard, who was told to move the building for the widening of Route 60. Grover Fletcher had the building on the back of his truck and the story goes that Waldo was on the corner of 43rd and Rt 60 when Grover came by. Waldo asked where he was taking the building, Grover said he didn’t know and Waldo said, ‘Put it there,’ pointing to where the property now sits,” said Chris Sexton about the locale on 43rd Ave. south of SR60.

“It was going to be Vero’s first ‘Art Center,’” she said. “There is artwork throughout the current building that goes somewhat unnoticed as you dine here.”

“Waldo hired artists Jim and Joan Hutchinson and Lilian Tutscik to create ‘atmosphere’ - in his vision for Vero’s first Artist Colony,” she added.

With the help of the same architect as the Biltmore, Sexton eventually opened the place as a steak house called the Turf Club. Over the years it became Caprinos, Houfbraus House and then Szechuan where everyone from Dodgers to businessmen came to drink high balls and talk.

As Sexton gave a tour she pointed out the many floor-to-ceiling wall paintings with Waldo’s likeness painted into the scenes of Seminole Indians and the frescos and friezes in hidden spots throughout the eclectic building.

More than 300 people were invited to the annual bash which is a thank you to the patrons and the locals. Apparently everyone showed up for the party as the there was nary an empty seat inside or nor out on the grass.

“When we did the first party it was to target potential customers from the mainland to come in but it has morphed quite a bit over the years,” said Sexton.

“Now it is for the old Vero crowd as well as the beachside patrons; local offices who do a lot of take out and politicians...they especially come in an election year,” Sexton said.

Last year being a big election, Sexton said all the political candidates came and some even did a guest stint serving up food at the buffet.

“Sue Liang asked if we were going to have servers this year and I laughed and told her no.

“Sue and John are not like the owners of our other places. They are more like family or friends you know for a long time watching each other’s families grow. Very special people.”

At the door, third generation Sextons greeted guests while the Liangs and their staff opened the whole restaurant as everyone hailed friends and reveled in old tales.

“The party is so well-attended because (aside from the great food) it is a like multi-generational class reunion,” said Sexton.